The IIFYM (If it fits your macros) method is gaining popularity, especially among lazy individuals. It turns the rules that dietitians have been teaching us for years on their head. Can you eat sweets and fast food without worrying about your weight? Although at first glance it seems logical to count the same number of calories from fat and protein for energy, it's definitely not a good solution for our long-term health and metabolism. Why is this?
IIFYM History
Proponents of the IIFYM theory believe it's okay to eat ice cream, candy, or pizza as long as the micronutrient calories in the food match your total daily calorie intake. From this perspective, it makes sense, but in reality, what happens inside the body is far more important. Let's see how this plays out in practice.
Carbohydrates and proteins
Let's start with carbohydrates. The carbohydrates in pizza are mostly simple. This means they will cause a sudden spike in insulin secretion, which will destabilize blood glucose levels. The identical portion of carbohydrates from brown rice doesn't cause such fluctuations, so they will be better stored in muscle tissue. The high glycemic index that occurs after eating pizza disrupts blood glucose balance and disrupts the body's equilibrium. Consequently, it stimulates sugar cravings and makes it difficult to maintain a balanced diet. diets.
The situation is similar with proteins. Not all proteins are equal; for example, 100 calories from whey protein does not have the same biological value as 100 calories from soy protein. The macronutrients in both cases differ. Another very important factor is the reactions occurring in the body. Products with the same caloric content can trigger inflammatory reactions, such as fast food and processed foods. Chronic inflammation leads to heart disease and cancer. Healthy foods like broccoli, salmon, or plain yogurt have anti-inflammatory properties.
Pizza vs. Vegetables
Last, but certainly not least, is the high macronutrient content of fast food. Eating even a small amount of calories provides virtually nothing valuable to the body. It's best to take the IIFYM diet with a grain of salt. It's only worth counting calories and macros when you're eating unprocessed foods, preferably those sourced from nature.
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